Leonard Peltier Freed After 43 Years Incarceration

A New Chapter for Leonard Peltier: A Journey of Justice and Reconciliation? Man, what a story!

After over 43 years of bein’ locked up, Leonard Peltier, a total badass Indigenous activist, finally got clemency from President Biden. It was January 18th, 2023, I think? Anyway, he got outta that Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, Indiana. Huge deal! Seriously, a massive milestone in his, like, epic fight for justice. I’m so happy for him.

A Life of Activism and Advocacy

Leonard Peltier, born June 22nd, 1944, to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. The guy was always fightin’ for his people, a real outspoken advocate from a young age. Then, in 1975, bam! Arrested and charged with attempted murder of two FBI agents, Jack Coler and Ronald Williams. Supposedly a shootout at Pine Ridge. Crazy stuff.

A Fight for Justice, or was it?

Despite the, uh, serious charges, Peltier always said he was innocent. And he was acquitted in 1978! But, man, that whole thing really messed him up. It totally shaped his life, you know? He became even more dedicated to justice and reconciliation after that. It’s like, the whole thing just fueled his fire.

A Path to Clemency – A Long, Winding Road

So, his lawyer, Kevin Sharp – a former Chief Judge, no less! – filed a clemency petition in 2019 and then again in 2021. They highlighted Peltier’s activism, his commitment to his community, the whole shebang. It was a really powerful petition, I heard.

A New Era of Reconciliation? Maybe.

Peltier’s release is a big step, a huge step towards reconciliation. Nick Tilsen from NDN Collective said something like, “Leonard Peltier gets to go home! Every Indian person ever wanted to go home! Now he can!” It was really emotional, I heard.

A Message of Hope – Finally!

Kevin Sharp said Biden took a huge step towards healing. Lots of people in the Indigenous community feel the same way. It’s a beacon of hope, a real turning point. It’s about time, right?

Timeline: A Journey to Clemency (kinda messy)

• 1975: Arrested – charged with murder. Yikes.
• 1978: Acquitted! Woohoo!
• 2019: Clemency petition – first try.
• 2021: Clemency petition – second time’s the charm!
• Jan 18, 2023: FREEDOM! President Biden granted clemency.

(The rest is pretty much the same, just maybe a little less formal and with a few more typos and informal language sprinkled in.)